Dubai is the largest and most iconic city of the United Arab Emirates – and one that is not afraid of ambition. Its futuristic, glittering skyline and host of sci-fi concepts are testament to a city that is strongly paving its way into the future. There are clear reasons why Dubai has become the business darling of the Middle East: a strong multicultural mix, a fast-moving start-up mentality and close proximity to Europe, Africa and beyond.
Shopping is the name of the game in Dubai, and it’s a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. That said, scratch the surface of the city and you’ll find a burgeoning arts and cultural scene, artisanal food and drinks from every corner of the Earth and a party that seemingly never stops.
An insider’s tip: meetings and calls don’t usually take place during 2pm to 5pm, given the growing popularity of siestas. This presents the perfect opportunity to get out of the office and explore some of what the city, both old and new, has to offer. Explore these curated spots for your next business trip to Dubai.
Socialise
Wild & The Moon
Situated alongside the artistic haunts on Alserkal Avenue is Wild & The Moon. This café, originally from Paris, is known for serving slow-food cuisine and has a wonderful selection of organic, plant-based, gluten-free meals made by expert vegan chefs.
The Farm Restaurant, Al Barari
The Farm, located in the botanical residential area of Al Barari, gives urban city dwellers a rare chance to reconnect with nature. Check ahead to see what’s on during your time in Dubai - The Farm frequently hosts pop-up markets, cooking classes and even child-friendly activities. It’s the perfect place for a casual meeting, or to relax and recharge, with a menu catering to a variety of dietary requirements.
Belgian Beer Café at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
Belgian Beer Café is the perfect spot for a hearty meal after a long day. Besides serving Belgian classics such as mussels and chips, as well their famous stew, the café also has a great range of drinks on offer. Head here on a Friday for their unlimited brunch where you can take a seat at the large outdoor area overlooking Dubai Creek and savour the stunning views of Downtown.
Comptoir 102
This chic concept-and-coffee store in one offers an eclectic mix of interior goods, fashion and gifts for everyone. The café serves wholesome vegan-friendly fare, and their freshly pressed green juices are very popular.
Skyline Lounge at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
This fifth-floor terrace bar is situated by the Dubai Creek, offering breathtaking views of the glittering Downtown skyline. Celebrate an early finish from a busy day with a drink from their creative cocktail list, or do like the locals and order a shisha from the variety of flavours available. The chilled-out tunes and serene setting also make this a winning sunset spot.
Get Energised
Zero Gravity
Hailed as a ‘day-to-night oasis’, this iconic beach club for the stylish and fashionable keeps the party going well into the night. The pool and beach are decked out with top-notch facilities – all-day music, comfy long chairs, attentive service and great food and drinks that will make you forget you came to Dubai on a business trip.
Waterfront Room at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
This warm and inviting room at the Crowne Plaza Festival City offers a relaxing respite to restore and rejuvenate between the day’s outings. And, with the added bonus of its premier location on the waterfront of Festival City, a modern business and entertainment area, it’s a smart choice for a central base in this bustling city.
Be Inspired
Alserkal Avenue
Alserkal Avenue is the leading creative and cultural hub in Dubai. Located in the industrial zone of Al Quoz, it has grown as a key player in the cultural scene across the Gulf Region. With 20 warehouses dedicated to contemporary arts, this hub offers the opportunity to discover regional artists and new forms of creative expressions. Browse through art galleries, design studios and innovative cafés to discover pieces from the Middle East and beyond.
Mirzam Chocolate Makers
Crafting quality bean-to-bar chocolate, Mirzam Chocolate Makers go the extra mile to source cocoa beans from Vietnam, Indonesia, Madagascar and beyond. The space is designed for a transparent production process, taking you from cocoa roasting and grinding stations, to a café to take it all in. Flavours range from the usual suspects to exotic Spice Route-inspired sweets.
The Dubai Creek
This saltwater creek holds an important place in Dubai’s history. Originally a fishing area, pearling site and gateway for traders before oil exploration, this is one of the top places to see in Old Dubai. Take an Abra, a traditional wooden boat, across the creek for a unique and unforgettable experience. Not only is it a time saver, it’s also the most economical way to travel between the two halves of Dubai.
The Junction
Located in the Alserkal Avenue district is a performing arts space committed to bringing diverse programs to the region while supporting local talents. The 159-seat performance hall has grown into a thriving cultural venue, made by performers, for performers. There’s always a new artist to discover so make sure to check out their events calendar.
Know before you go: plan meetings from Sunday to Thursday (8am-5pm) as Friday marks the day of prayers. For expats and travellers, Fridays are all about one thing in Dubai – brunch. And with many establishments offering their twist on the traditional weekend meal, you'll have endless options to choose from.
